Nidd Hall

An historic Grade II Listed hotel overlooking award-winning grounds and a lake. Stays here are centred around a popular catalogue of evening entertainment and activity-led events, from archery and fishing to painting and Pilates. There’s also a spa and lots of quiet corners to while away an afternoon with a pot of tea.

Location

7/10

The 18th-century hall is situated in rolling Yorkshire countryside, about 15 minutes’ drive from Harrogate, and five from Ripley. It’s a destination in its own right so if you’re looking for something a little ‘away from it all’ but with links to nearby towns and attractions, you’ve come to the right place. The hotel holds regular trips to Harrogate, York and Ripon throughout the week. It’s essential you have a car unless you’re arriving by taxi or coach.

Style & character

7/10

The building overlooks 45 acres of gorgeous gardens and there’s a willow-tree-surrounded lake at the bottom which guests can use for fishing. Inside, original period features such as stained-glass windows and atriums, fireplaces and cornicing have been maintained, while lounges and bars are decorated in a modest and comfortable manner, with a vast array of styles encompassing patterns, soft colours and wood. Upstairs there’s a huge room with purpose-built seating and table stands facing a stage built for entertainment. Nothing too new-fangled; this is a venue popular with more mature leisure-seekers.

Service & facilities

8/10

There are lots of things to keep you busy here and staff are really friendly. On the lower-ground floor, a spa with a sauna, steam room, whirlpool tub, treatment rooms and swimming pool offers guests and day visitors a slice of relaxation (although it is in need of refurbishment, which is on the cards). Regular aqua-fit-style classes are held here too, and the gym offers a range of hi-tech equipment and classes such as yoga and spinning. Activities and excursions include watercolour demonstrations, live music, York visits and ground tours. There’s a games room, two restaurants, a gift shop where you can buy things like stamps, clothes and newspapers, and a few bars. Parking is plentiful and free.

Bar

Fitness centre

Laundry

Parking

Pool

Restaurant

Room service

Sauna

Spa

Steam room/hammam

Tennis court

Wi-Fi

Rooms

7/10

The whole complex offers 193 rooms in the courtyard, cottage and main house, with categories ranging from Standard, Signature, Historic and Suite. Bathrooms come with showers over baths, separate showers and baths or show-only. The 38 Historic rooms are traditional with older furniture whereas some Signature rooms, for example, are more modern with contemporary furnishings. Décor varies across the board but fabrics are colour-coordinated. All are comfortable, homely and offer the amenities you’d expect; toiletries, televisions, tea and coffee-making facilities, irons and ironing boards. Signature rooms also offer a bottle of wine and bathrobes.

Food & drink

7/10

Breakfast and dinner can be taken in The Rawson which offers a combination of buffet or à la carte options; £21.95 for three courses per person if it’s not included in your stay. Dishes could include smoked salmon and prosecco mousse to start, lemon and ginger pork escalopes for mains, and coconut, cherry and white chocolate slice for dessert. Breakfast comprises a good continental buffet including porridge, yoghurts, fruit, cheeses and cereals as well as cooked full English options. You can also order items such as pancakes, kippers and eggs Benedict served to your table. Alternatively The Great and Small Yorkshire Tapas Restaurant can be found in the Oak Room. Room service is available.

Value for money

8/10

Double rooms from £468 in low season; and from £543 in high, for a minimum of three nights. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Rooms in the main hall are accessible and there are lifts to each floor. Rooms in the cottage have steps. A fully adapted room with a wet room is available. Wheelchairs can be requested.